Will the Wild pursue Nikita Kucherov via next summer’s UFA market? Which defensemen should the Maple Leafs target? Will the Sharks make a trade to improve their roster? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD NIKITA KUCHEROV BECOME A FREE-AGENT TARGET FOR THE WILD?

THE ATHLETIC: Joe Smith believes the Minnesota Wild should try to sign Nikita Kucherov if the Tampa Bay Lightning winger becomes available in next summer’s free-agent market.

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov (NHL Images)

Kucherov, 33, recently requested a trade after deciding he’s not signing an extension with the Lightning.

Smith noted that Wild left winger Kirill Kaprizov and Kucherov are good friends who’d love to play together. If Quinn Hughes doesn’t re-sign with the Wild, they’ll have plenty of salary-cap space to pursue the Lightning superstar.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Assuming the Lightning don’t shop Kucherov before the March 1 trade deadline, I can see Guerin pursuing him via free agency if Quinn Hughes decides to test the UFA market next July.

The Wild GM is trying to build a Stanley Cup contender around core players like Kaprizov, and his acquisition of Hughes and attempt to acquire Dylan Larkin shows his willingness to make bold moves.

WHICH DEFENSEMEN SHOULD THE MAPLE LEAFS TARGET?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau suggested five defensemen the Toronto Maple Leafs should target in the trade market.

Despite their offseason moves, the blueline remains a problem for the Maple Leafs.

Proteau suggested Rasmus Ristolainen of the Philadelphia Flyers, Dylan Samberg of the Winnipeg Jets, and Alexander Nikishin of the Carolina Hurricanes as realistic trade targets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ristolainen is the more realistic, though his injury history is a concern. If the Flyers keep floundering, they could peddle some of their veterans.

The Jets have recently emerged from a long slump, so they’re unlikely to be sellers right now. They’re also in no rush to move Samberg, who’s signed through next season.

Proteau acknowledged that the Maple Leafs would need assurance that Nikishin would sign an extension with them. However, the Hurricanes suggested they would attempt to move him next summer, when he’s a restricted free agent with arbitration rights.

Proteau also added Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson and Nashville Predators captain Roman Josi as long-shot options, citing their full no-movement clauses, expensive contracts, and the high cost of acquiring them.

COULD THE SHARKS GO SHOPPING FOR HELP IN THE TRADE MARKET?

THE MERCURY NEWS: Curtis Pashelka believes the San Jose Sharks are running out of time to prove they’re a good team this season. He wonders what GM Mike Grier will do to address their current struggles.

Pashelka indicated that recent reports claim Grier doesn’t intend to replace head coach Ryan Warsofsky. He noted that Grier made a trade offer to the Detroit Red Wings for defenseman Simon Edvinsson, but it was rejected. He wondered if Grier is reluctant to part with 19-year-old center Michael Misa and another asset for a top-pairing blueliner like Edvinsson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Grier is reportedly trying to bolster his roster, especially his blueline. Whether he’ll find a suitable deal in the coming weeks remains to be seen. He could revisit his pitch for Edvinsson but might be unwilling to move Misa. Filip Bystedt, Igor Chernyshov, and prospect Keaton Verhoeff were believed to be in play.